At the southeastern corner of Alameda County sits the growing city of Fremont, California. It’s the fourth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area, and is considered an offshoot of Silicon Valley. Fremont was incorporated when Mission San Jose, Warm Springs, Centerville, Irvington and Niles townships joined together in 1956. Apple’s first manufacturing plant was located in Fremont, and a commercial and tech boom followed in the 1980s and 1990s. By the year 2000, about 750 tech companies had set up shop in Fremont.
Today, Fremont is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the Bay Area, and is known for its beautiful parks, exceptional schools, and luxury real estate. Fremont’s business incentives continue to attract major names in the tech industry (including Tesla), and is becoming a leader in on-shore manufacturing. Notable people from Fremont include MC Hammer, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Vinod Dham.
Fremont Population & Demographics
Fremont has a population of 227,934 people. Fremont is a very diverse city, with a demographic breakdown of 22.3% white, 13.1% Hispanic, 3.2% Black or African American, 55.9% Asian, and 5.4% Mixed or Other races. Almost half of Fremont residents are foreign-born, 87% of whom come from Asia. It’s no surprise that Asian languages are spoken more often than English in Fremont: only 39%-45% of the households in Fremont’s primary language is English. Fremont is home to a large Deaf community, in part due to the California School for the Deaf having its Northern California campus located there. The largest concentration of Afghans in the US live in Fremont as well. There are slightly more females in Fremont at 50.3% than males at 49.7%.
Fremont Neighborhoods
House hunting in a new city can be fun, but it can be overwhelming too. Finding the Fremont neighborhood that suits your lifestyle is important. Fremont is divided into many neighborhoods, each with its own appeal and amenities. Find the most popular Fremont neighborhoods below:
Ardenwood | Affluent Fremont Neighborhood
- Population: 16,998
- Median Home Cost: $1,170,000
- Homes for sale in Ardenwood
At the northeast end of Fremont is the neighborhood of Ardenwood. Not only is this a sought after place to live, it’s home to Ardenwood Technology Park, which has drawn some big tenants in the tech world. Almost 60% of households in Ardenwood have school aged children, and the highly rated Ardenwood Elementary School and Forest Park Elementary School serve the neighborhood. Families also enjoy easy access to the Karl Nordvik Park, which has play structures, ball fields, green spaces, and basketball courts. Ardenwood Historic Farm runs along the entire southeastern edge of the neighborhood, which is a local favorite as well.
Northgate | Family-Friendly With Parks
- Population: 12,163
- Median Home Cost: $1,127,500
- Homes for sale in Northgate
Just above Ardenwood is the neighborhood of Northgate. It’s a mostly residential neighborhood, with meticulously well-kept tree-lined streets. Residents love spending time at Northgate Community Park and Crandall Creek Park, both of which have great playgrounds, trails, and green spaces. Fremont Boulevard runs through Northgate, and it’s lined with restaurants, shopping, and the Calphin Aquatic Club.
Centerville | Great For Outdoorsy People
- Population: 15,603
- Median Home Cost: $710,444
- Homes for sale in Centerville
A lot of Fremont’s history lies in Centerville. Once a town of its own, Centerville was annexed into Fremont in 1956. The Alameda River runs through the neighborhood, which is also home to the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area. Centerville residents have easy access to public transportation and the Fremont Hub, so everything they need is at their fingertips.
Niles | Full Of Beautiful Scenery
- Population: 7,909
- Median Home Cost: $1,042,500
- Homes for sale in Niles
To the northwest of Centerville is the lowkey neighborhood of Niles. Niles is surrounded by nature: Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park makes up its northwest edge, and the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area runs along the eastern and southern boundaries. Niles has a close community feel, and the neighborhood hosts lots of planned events like garden tours and car shows. Its main street, Niles Road, is lined with old buildings that are home to antique shops, museums, cute eateries, and galleries.
Cost of Living in Fremont
There’s a lot to look at when considering the cost of living in any location. Most people just look at the housing market, but there are many more factors at play. The cost of living in Fremont is 81% higher than the median for the United States. That might sound daunting depending on where you currently live, but it doesn’t mean that everything is 81% more expensive.
A lot of the high cost of living in Fremont, CA is due to real estate prices. Housing in Fremont is 214% higher than the national average. Utilities run about 14% more than the national average in Fremont; groceries are 26% higher, and transportation is about 30% higher.
Taxes are another important factor to include in your cost of living calculations. Sales tax in Fremont is 9.25%. California sales tax accounts for 6%, while the rest goes to Alameda County. California income tax ranges from 1%-12.3% depending on how much you make. The average property tax rate in Fremont is 0.78%.
Typical Living Expenses in Fremont
- Gas: $3.44/gallon
- Internet: $63.18/month
- Utilities: $162.06/month
- Transportation (one-way): $2.45
- Monthly Transportation pass: $118.00
- Fitness club: $45.62/month
- Milk: $3.70/gallon
- Bread: $3.00/loaf
- Eggs: $2.93/dozen
- Fast food meal: $9.00
- Restaurant meal: $20.00
- Movie ticket: $14.00
Crime in Fremont
Taking a look at a city’s crime rates is always a good idea when you’re relocating. Experts look at total crime, violent crime, and property crime rates when reporting on the safety of a location. Fremont is considered a very safe place to live! Let’s take a closer look at crime rates in Fremont.
Total Crime Rates in Fremont
- Fremont total crime rate: 18% lower than the national average
- Fremont total crime rate: 2,044 per 100,000 people
- Chance of becoming a victim in Fremont: 1 in 49
Violent Crime in Fremont
Violent crime rates in Fremont include the number of murders, rapes, assaults and robberies in a city. Fremont’s violent crime rate is 56% lower than the national average.
- Fremont Murder Rate: .4 per 100,000 people
- Fremont Rape Rate: 14.9 per 100,000 people
- Fremont Robbery Rate: 66 per 100,000 people
- Fremont Assault Rate: 84.7 per 100,000 people
- Chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Fremont: 1 in 603
Property Crime in Fremont
Property crime includes burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. In Fremont, the property crime rate is 11% lower than the national average.
- Burglaries in Fremont: 227.1 per 100,000 people
- Thefts in Fremont: 1,414.8 per 100,000 people
- Vehicle thefts in Fremont: 235.8 per 100,000 people
- Chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Fremont: 1 in 54
Weather in Fremont
If you decide to move to Fremont, you can expect to enjoy beautiful weather all year round! Fremont’s climate is classified as a Mediterranean climate, meaning the area experiences warm, dry summers and mild winters. Summer in Fremont is not terribly hot – the hottest month in Fremont is July, when the average daily high temperature is 82.6°F. Fremont winters are cool. The coldest month in Fremont is December, with average highs of 56.5°F. Fremont receives about 19.5” of rain a year, most of which falls between November and March.
Things to do in Fremont
There’s tons to do in Fremont! History and nature lovers will find endless learning and recreational opportunities. Here are a few of the must-sees in the Fremont area:
Top Attractions
- Fremont Central Park: This 450-acre park in the heart of Fremont is a local favorite and great for families. Enjoy gorgeous views while skating, playing on the playground, or boating on the manmade lake.
- Mission Peak Regional Preserve: Part of Fremont’s southeastern edge, this 3,000 acre park is home to Mission Peak, which is part of the City of Fremont’s logo. Residents love hiking, backpack camping, and even hang gliding here!
- Ardenwood Historic Farm: You’ll be transported to the 19th century when you visit this 19th century working farm. Take a ride on the farm’s train, observe animals, and stroll the beautiful gardens!
- Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum: Locals love exploring this small but beautiful property featuring scenic gardens and a Victorian home, which offers tours on occasion.
Art, Entertainment, & Museums
- Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum: Step back in time while visiting this unique museum that’s housed in an actual Nickelodeon. Watch and learn about silent films while just a few steps away from the studio where Charlie Chaplain filmed some of his movies.
- Washington Township Museum of Local History: Learn about Alameda county’s past by taking a tour or class at this fascinating museum full of records and artifacts.
- Niles Canyon Railway: Kids and adults alike will love seeing history come to life at this living museum where you can learn about the history of the railways and take a ride of historic trains!
Parks & Outdoor Activities
- Coyote Hills Regional Park: This park and marshland is a great place to bike, hike, walk and observe wildlife all year round.
- Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge: This fascinating expanse sits on the water between Fremont and Palo Alto. Nature lovers will surely frequently visit this nature preserve, where the wildlife changes every season.
- Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area: This group of lakes offers endless recreational opportunities, including swimming, sports fields and courts, fishing, picnicking areas and more!
Shopping
- Pacific Commons Shopping Center: Pacific Commons is more than a shopping mall, it’s an entire retail district. Pacific Commons is over a million square feet of indoor and outdoor space dedicated to shopping, dining, fitness, and entertainment.
- Fremont Hub: Another great outdoor shopping center is Fremont Hub. With off-price stores and big name retailers, you’ll find everything you need!
Restaurants in Fremont
There are tons of great restaurants in Fremont! Here are just a few of the top-rated eateries in Fremont.
Skilletz
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If you’re looking for great breakfast and lunch, Skilletz is the best in town. Customers rave about their home cooking and great coffee!
37378 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536, (510) 793-8161
Papillon
For a more upscale experience, try Papillon. This traditional french restaurant has been serving the Fremont area for over 40 years. They’re known for their extensive wine list, and never disappoint!
37296 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536, (510) 793-6331
Market Broiler
If you’re craving seafood, head to Market Broiler. It’s a well-known chain that constantly refreshes their menu offerings. Try the clam chowder or coconut shrimp!
43406 Christy St, Fremont, CA 94538, (510) 791-8675
Real Estate in Fremont
The housing market in Fremont is very competitive. Median sale price for a home in Fremont is $1,151,000, or $711 per square foot. Real estate prices have increased 15.3% since last year. Homes usually only stay on the market for about 11 days in Fremont, and can sell for up to 11% over asking price, sometimes with waived contingencies. If you’re house hunting in Fremont, you can expect to choose among simple ranches, townhomes and condos, and some Spanish-inspired bungalows.
If you’re looking to rent, you won’t have a problem in Fremont! 41% of residents rent their homes. The average monthly rent in Fremont is $2,354, which is down 4% from last year. If you’re looking for the more affordable area in Fremont, look towards Ardenwood and Northgate, where apartments average $2,220 a month. The most expensive neighborhoods in Fremont are Cameron Hills, Warm Springs, and Mission Hills.
Fremont Schools
If you have school-aged children, you will have plenty of great schools to choose from. The Fremont Unified School District serves the area, and most of their schools are highly rated. The best rated schools in Fremont include Warm Springs Elementary School, John Gomes Elementary School, William Hopkins Junior High School, and American High School. There are also 112 private schools to choose from, and the Circle of Independent Learning Charter School.
If you’re looking for higher education, Fremont has options! Ohlone College is a two-year community college in Fremont. The University of Phoenix Bay Area Campus and Northwestern Polytechnic University have great undergrad and graduate management and technology programs. If you’re looking for a degree in computer science, 42 is tuition free! Fremont is also home to the California’s School for the Deaf’s Northern California campus.
Fremont’s Job Market
The median household income in Fremont is $144,118, which is 1.5 times higher than the California average. The job market in Fremont is growing at almost 2% a year, likely due to the city’s extensive business incentives. Since Fremont is so close to Silicon Valley, it’s no surprise that the top jobs are computer and mathematics related positions. According to Glassdoor, the highest ranked companies in Fremont are Salesfoce, Google, Facebook, and the University of California Berkeley. Looking for a job in Fremont? Check out current Fremont listings on Indeed.com. Are you interested in working for the city of Fremont? They’re hiring! Click here for current job openings.
Transportation in Fremont
Fremont is a car-dependent city, and most residents own two personal cars. Almost 72% of commuters drive alone to work, and the average commute time is 32.9 minutes – that’s almost 8 minutes longer than the national average.
There is public transportation in Fremont, and about 10% of residents take advantage of it. BART and Altamont Corridor Express provide rail service, and BART has plans to extend its service to the area. Local bus service is provided by AC Transit, and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority can help you get around Silicon Valley as well.
Pros and Cons of Living in Fremont
- High cost of living
- Longer commute times
- Low crime rate
- Amazing schools and business opportunities
- Beautiful views and weather all year round
Will you be making a move to Fremont in the near future? Our highly rated professional Fremont movers at AMS Relocation know what it takes to get you relocated quickly and easily. Call us today at 650-284-2931 for your free quote!
